COMING EVENTS

Thurs 10 Dec Yr 3-6

Presentation Day 9.30am

Fri 11 Dec K-2 Presentation Day 9.30am

Mon 14 Dec Yr 6 Dinner

Tues 15 Dec Yr 6

Graduation & clap out

Wed 16 Dec Picnic Day

Final day of term & year!

2016 Dates

Sat 16 Jan 9-11 am Uniform shop open

Wed 27 Jan Staff return

Thurs 28 Jan Years 1-6 return to school & Kindy Best

Start assessments

Tues 2 Feb Kindergarten

commence school! Mon 8 Feb-**Please note date Years 3-6 Swimming

Carnival @ Manly Pool

Phone: 9971 8352 Fax: 9982 5617 Email: wheelerhts-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: wheelerhts-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Congratulations to the school choirs who have been very busy of late. On Monday afternoon the Wheeler Wailers entertained the residents of the local aged facility and on Tuesday evening both choirs performed at the War Vets Carol night. Special thanks to Ms McCombie, Mrs Butler, Ms Mavromatis, Ms Tekampe and parents who assisted with these performances

Year 5 enjoyed a very pleasant day at Dee Why Beach on Monday learning surf safety and beach awareness. Thanks to Ms Radom, Ms Earl and Corey who organised this very important activity. See the report later in the newsletter.

On Wednesday the whole school enjoyed the Talent Quest finals. Well done to all participants; I’m sure we’ll see lots more of these stars on the stage in the future!! Special thanks to creative co-ordinator Ms Williamson and lights/sound guru Luke O’D.

Raffle Tickets for Lachie

Following the tragic loss earlier this term of young Lachlan, ex-student and big brother to Jamie in Year 3, the school would like to work with Lachlan’s family and Rotary to raise money for cancer research in the Love For Lachie campaign. Classes from Year 1 -5 received a book of raffle tickets last week to raise money for brain cancer research. We hope that parents may be able to sell the tickets and return the raffle butts and money by the end of the school year. Prizes will be awarded for classes who return the most books of tickets this year.

Please return all money to the school office, and also any books which you are not able to sell. If you wish to obtain additional tickets (or have students in Kindy or Year 6), please see the office for additional supplies.

Thank you for your support of this very worthwhile charity.

Let’s all show our support for Lachie’s family and help to find a cure for this devastating disease.

Christmas Carols and BBQ A huge thank you to our wonderful P&C, led by president Claudia Schremmer who cooked over 800 sausages last night!! Thank you also to all of the students who sang their carols so enthusiastically, to the family and friends who joined us to celebrate and to the team of staff, led by the effervescent Miss McCombie, for organising the carols part of the event. It was a wonderful evening!!

Thank you to Departing School Families This year we farewell a number of school families whose youngest child is finishing at Wheeler Heights this year. Many of these families have contributed and helped out in various ways over many years. In particular the P&C made a small presentation to the Coelho, Dixon, Herbert, Roberts (Jacobs), Trewartha and Woodcock families last night at the Carol night.

Holiday Chicken Roster- Still one or two spots free!!!

Once again we are looking for a number of school families to look after the chickens during the upcoming holidays. Duties include letting out & re-housing the chickens, ensuring food & water is available and collecting the eggs!! Please let Mr Scotter, Mr Williams or the office know when you may be available.

School Reports

School Reports will be sent home tomorrow with all students. You may notice some changes with the report format as we have now

adopted a new school welfare and administration system called Sentral. The subject areas and headings are not too different but you will

see the colour photo and other minor changes. Please feel free to email feedback to the school. We always endeavour to send report

copies to all additional parents listed on our databases; please let the office know if another copy is required or your contact details have

changed.

Presentation Days and awards

It was lovely to see so many parents and friends at today’s Year 3-6 Presentation Day. Special congratulations to School Dux Jem S,

and all recipients of special prizes. Tomorrow at 9.30am will be the Year K-2 ceremony. Children should wear full school uniform.

Year 5 Leadership Positions

Congratulations to our newly elected student leaders for 2016. Captains Mia H and Archie S, Vice Captains Honey P and West La T

and prefects Arabella C, Neve K, Millie L, Ben C, Oliver F and Daniel J. We know that these students will do a wonderful job. Early

next year Sport, Band, Choir and Dance captains will be elected.

Term 4 Week 10

10 December 2015

Year 6 Pedlars’ Parade

Congratulations to the Year 6 students for organising a wonderful Pedlar’s Parade on Tuesday. This day is always one of the highlights

of the year and this year’s event was an outstanding success. There was a great variety of exciting, tasty and scary stalls!! Well done to

Year 6 staff Mr Blanshard, Ms Williamson, Ms Young and Ms Marshall for coordinating such a worthwhile and enjoyable day. The

money raised from the stalls goes towards the Year 6 Farewell, Graduation and gift to the school.

Stationery and Book Lists for 2016

As we have done for the past few years we will post the stationery lists for each year on the school website. Parents can then begin to

organise materials for next year. The required text books for each year will once again be ordered by the school and parents will be

invoiced early next year with school program fees.

Super Hoot Morning Tea

Over 300 students attended the two morning teas held recently!! Congratulations to all recipients of Super Hoots this year, we have had

a record number of children attending the special morning teas.

Scripture 2016 After discussion and consultation the school has decided to alter the Special Religious Education (Scripture) time period for 2016. From next year SRE will run from 2-3pm on Wednesday afternoons, with Years 3-6 from 2-2.30pm and Years K-2 from 2.30-3pm. This change has been brought about by our desire to utilise the most effective key learning time of the day, which is during the morning. This is the period where we often have literacy or numeracy groups and also employ teacher aides and often have parent volunteers. This change was discussed at the last P&C meeting. You will see advertisements later in the newsletter asking for volunteers who may be able to assist with the SRE program at this new time.

David Scotter

Principal

From The Deputy:

Safety Again: Further to my spiel last week we have been sent a reminder to publish in our newsletter this week (see attachments later in the document) highlighting the various traffic notices and infringements pertinent to school zones. Once again we remind all of our staff and parents who may be driving in and around the school to be careful, considerate and proactive to ensure the safety of our community. Always observe the regulations as displayed on signage in and around the school. In particular, be aware of parking restriction around our entry and exit points and be mindful of our neighbours driveways and access. PLEASE DO NOT USE THE SCHOOL CAR PARK between the hours of 7:30 and 5:30, and if you do need to drive into the school be aware that our speed limit is a crawling 10km/h!!! Accidents: The school is highly proactive when it comes to matters of safety for our students, staff and parent community. We are always appreciative of any notices concerning safety issues and will rectify these as soon as possible and practical when they are brought to our attention. Of course this is an area which requires continuous vigilance from the whole community and so we ask that you do let us know if you have any concerns or observe any hazards within or around the school grounds (drop into the office, phone or send us an email).

Bikes and Pedestrians: Students riding their bikes to school must remember to:

WALK their bikes inside the school grounds

always wear a helmet

stay on the footpaths, not the driveway, and

be considerate and careful when mounting their bike outside of the gate.

All pedestrians should remember to stay on the footpaths and cross at the designated crossings within and outside of the school.

This is a matter of utmost importance and we greatly appreciate your continued vigilance and assistance. John Williams Deputy Principal (relieving)

From the Office CHANGE TO SCHOOL BUS NUMBERS From the start of 2016 most school special bus services will be renumbered. This may include bus numbers 737, 746 and 782. Please see details later in the newsletter for more information. Jodie Sly

School Administration Manager

Environmental News On Tuesday, students worked as a class to clean up an assigned part of the school as part of our Australia Clean Up initiative. Congratulations to 1C and 6N for winning the K - 2 and 3 - 6 competitions respectively. Thank you to all the students who worked hard to keep Wheeler Heights Public School clean and environmentally friendly. Mrs. Richards

Year 5 Surf Education Program

On Monday Year 5 students participated in the Surf Education program at Dee Why Beach. The students increased their knowledge of

surf skills and learnt about rip identification, rip survival and body surfing. The highlight was learning how to paddle the paddle boards in

the surf. The students thoroughly enjoyed the day and displayed exemplary behaviour.

Miss Earl

Year 5 Teacher

Chess News Just a few final chess messages for the year - best of luck and good times to those attending the Australian Junior Championships in Adelaide in January, plus anyone in need of some local competition, have a look at the "What's On" on the Manly Library website (all day tournament on 6 Jan). Wishing you all an enjoyable Festive Season and summer break, a few challenging games of holiday chess to help to while away the hours, and hope to see (most of) you back at chess next year! Ms Zillhardt

The Kindergarten Dubbo Zoo Run

This term, as part of the K-2 Sport program, Kindergarten has been running laps of the oval every day to improve our strength and fitness. Collectively they have reached the distance to Dubbo Zoo (which is over 400km from WHPS!) and the surprise at the end was a video conference with Dubbo Zoo! Here is Ben’s recount of the call: This morning, December 3

rd 2015, Kindergarten went to the library to video call Dubbo Zoo.

We met four animals. We met a Shingleback Lizard and we learnt that it can drop off its tail. The next animal we met was a Green Tree Frog and we learnt that it can hop far. The third animal we met was a possum, we learnt they are nocturnal. Lastly, we met a Bearded Dragon and we learnt that it hisses if scared. My favourite animal was the frog because they are slimy. I wish we could do the video calls every day! – Benjamin K (KC)

Sports/Extra-curricular Photos

The group photos are now available for online purchase and they look great! Jump onto the website and check them out.

Just follow these 4 Easy Steps to Online School Photos Ordering…

Step 1: Go to www.advancedlife.com.au and enter your school code VV6 AZM K8X

Step 2: Select “GROUPS” and choose the images you would like to purchase

Step 3: Enter Your Students Details (all orders will be returned to the school for collection.)

Step 4: Pay for the photos via the shopping cart (upper right corner of the page).

There are copies of all photos in the office if you would like to have a look as well as order form envelopes if you do not wish to order

online.

Happy browsing,

Julia Smith

Relieving Assistant Principal Stage 2

Library News: Calling all library books....!

It’s the end of the year and in preparation for the end of year stocktake all library books need to be returned as soon as possible. Some students have loans that are long overdue and many reminders have been given and so it’s time to check:-

under the bed

under the sofa

in the car

the bookshelf

grandma’s house

the bottom of the school bag

in the classroom

It is easy to overlook library books and students are often 'positive' that they have returned them, and then the book shows up 3 months later under the bed or inside a cupboard. There is no bad time to return an overdue book. It would be much appreciated if you could take the time to search. Books need to be returned by Monday 7th December. Unfortunately, I will need to ask for a replacement cost for non-returned books. Many thanks in anticipation of your assistance, Mrs Bevan and Mrs Westwood Library

K-2 PICNIC DAY

Where: At school

When: Wednesday 16th December

What: Disco, Drama Performance & Christmas Craft

Bring: Morning Tea ad Lunch as usual

Wear: Play clothes with suitable footwear, preferably socks

and runners.

Don’t forget hats and sunscreen.

SRC News:

CHRISTMAS GIFT APPEAL

The SRC would like to extend a huge thank you to all who donated the many gifts

for the Christmas Gift Appeal. The items will go to two places close to our hearts –

Bear Cottage & Stewart House. Thank you Mr Lionel Radom who acted as Santa’s

helper and delivered the many boxes of gifts to Wiseberry Estate, the collection

point for the donations. Many children will enjoy the lovely gifts from the Wheeler

Community – your generosity is much appreciated.

Day for Nepal Update

As you know, the SRC held the “Day for Nepal” last term raising much needed funds to support the Nepalese community after the

devastating earthquakes. Our parent contact – Fiona Chadwick, will be visiting Nepal at the end of December and will use the money

raised to help the community. In particular, she will visit the village school we are hoping to establish a relationship with in 2016 and

beyond. I am sure the children (and teachers!) will appreciate the stationery items donated too. Stay tuned next year for more updates on

how our school community will help another one in such need.

Ms Mavromatis

SRC Coordinator

Sports News:

PSSA Uniforms and Equipment

Please return all PSSA uniforms and equipment to your child’s coach asap. Thanks in advance!

PSSA 2016

There will be a change in the sports that will be offered in 2016. The Spring/Summer competition will run across Terms 1 & 4 (same

teams) and the Autumn/Winter will run across Terms 3 & 4. Please be advised that each sport will take an A team only, except for

netball).

Archie S @ Nationals

Last weekend Archie represented NSW at the National Athletics competition in Canberra. It was a

great few days where he managed to achieve his personal best time in the 100m. His relay team

received gold and he placed equal 8th in the 100m final. A fantastic achievement and big

congratulations to you, Archie!

Yours in Sport,

Mr Blanshard

Sports Coordinator

Junior Sports

(Yrs 3 and up only:

9-10yrs old)

Boys

Girls

Senior Sports

(11-13yrs old)

Boys

Girls

Term

s 1

& 4

–

Tra

ils w

ill t

ake

pla

ce e

arly T

erm

1 Eagle Tag

Cricket

T-Ball

Eagle Tag

Cricket

Softball

Term

s 2 &

3 –

Trials

will

take p

lace late

r

Term

2 &

/or

early

Term

3

Netball (3 teams)

Rugby League

AFL (Mixed Teams)

Soccer

Netball (3 teams)

Rugby League

AFL (Mixed Teams)

Soccer

SCRIPTURE NEWS

SRE TEACHERS NEEDED FOR 2016

From 2016, SRE (Scripture) classes will be moving to Wednesday afternoons:

2 – 2.30pm Years 3 - 6

2.30 – 3pm Years K - 2

Volunteer teachers and classroom assistants are needed across most classes. This may suit parents and

grandparents who come to pick up their children in the afternoon. All materials and lesson programs supplied.

If you are interested to find out more please contact:

Catholic - Lakes Parish Office on 9982 1058.

Protestant - Jo Harpur on 9982 7344. Other SRE – The school office

BAND EVENTS www.whpsband.wordpress.com

BAND NEWS

END OF YEAR BAND CONCERT SOARS! What a special night! Thanks to all involved! As expected, all bands performed a wonderful concert to family and friends. The music was top class and the outcome was testament to a year of hard work by our volunteers, conductors and band children. We wish our year 6 graduates best of luck. Keep practicing guys!!

BAND COMMITTEE SHAPING UP! While we have sadly said farewell to Lani Blackman-Dixon who will be leaving the school next year, our Band Committee is still looking good! Many thanks to Mona Johnson who was voted in as the new Band Secretary at our November Band Committee meeting. Lou Green and Trish Fairchild have also been voted in as our new Co-Events Coordinators. We appreciate you taking on these roles and look forward to 2016!

NEW BAND MEMBERS JOINING IN 2016 If your child has completed a “blow test”, you should have by now received an invitation to join the band with an allocated instrument. If you are expecting a note but haven’t received it, please email us. If you have received an invitation, please make sure you submit your ‘acceptance’ with your $50 deposit by Friday, 11 December. We must receive your acceptance before the end of the school year as we make lots of purchases and arrangements for new children over the holiday break. Please let us know if you have any questions upon receiving your invitation.

ASSESSMENTS Congratulations to those musicians returning to band next year who did their assessment with Cassie over the last few weeks. Now that wasn’t so scary was it? Cassie is very impressed with the high standard of musicians and is simply busting to get started with her new bands next year.

JAZZ BAND GIGS The Jazz Band nailed it. What a busy band! They performed three gigs in a week and a half - the End of Year Band Concert (Monday), the Volunteer Helpers’ Morning Tea (Wednesday) and the School’s End of Year Christmas Carols (the following Wednesday). On all accounts the band has performed (and behaved) like seasoned professionals. Over the course of this year the unique personality and spirit of this band have been a pleasure to work with. Congratulations guys – what a great year!

ARTS ALIVE AND NSSWE AUDITIONS Huge congratulations and good luck also to those who have auditioned to participate in either the Arts Alive Combined Schools Band and/or NSSWE. Well done for making the effort above and beyond. Don’t be disappointed if you missed out, just sitting for the audition was a huge accomplishment.

ANTHONY MACDERMOTT whpsband@gmail.com / 0417 277 89

FINAL REHEARSALS Training Band - Final rehearsal will be Wednesday 9th December (last performance is on Friday 11 December 2015 at the K-2 Presentation Assembly).

Intermediate and Senior Bands - Final rehearsal Thursday (morning) 10th December. This will be a joint rehearsal, starting at 8.15am in the Hall, to get ready for the presentation assembly taking place in the Hall that morning.

Jazz Band – No more rehearsals! Yippee!

HIRED INSTRUMENT RETURN For Senior and Intermediate Bands all hired instruments will be returned after the presentation assembly during school on Thursday 10th December.

For the Training Band all hired instruments are to be returned immediately after their final performance at the K-2 Presentation Assembly on the morning of Friday 11th December. Please help your child clear out their case of personal items before they come to school that day. If you know of any problems with the instrument, please let us know in person or send us an email so we can have it attended to during the annual maintenance

FUN@ COLLAROY PARK It was great to see happy faces at the WHPS family social event at Collaroy Beach Playground on Friday 4 December. It is always great to have an opportunity to get together in a relaxed way!

LAST BAND NEWS FOR 2015 Thank you again to our Band Committee and wonderful parent helpers who have done so much during the year to keep our band program running so smoothly. See you next year!

EVENTS FOR THE DIARY Christmas Carols & P&C BBQ Jazz Band Wed 9 December, arrive 5.30pm

3-6 Presentation Assembly Combined Intermediate and Senior Band Thursday 10 December, 9.30am – please arrive for rehearsal at 8.15am

K-2 Presentation Assembly Training Band Friday 11 December, 9.30am – meet at hall at 9am

Term 1 2016 Hired instruments will be distributed in Week 2. Intermediate and Senior Bands will commence

rehearsals in Week 3 and the new Training Band in Week 4.

Keep an eye on your emails in the new year for more information!

MONA JOHNSON

 

UNIFORM SHOP NOTICE

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